1

Lab Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Research Lab Manager 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56K - $70K/yr

Manages daily operations of a research lab. Monitors lab performance, analyzes and reviews results, and supervises development and implementation of new protocols. Assigns work and supervises lab ...

Science Lab Technician

Campus, IL · On-site

$36K - $43K/yr

Daily - 10%: Assists lab manager with maintaining samples of living organisms, including ... microorganisms using aseptic technique, protozoa, fruitflies, marine organisms in a saltwater ...

Medical Lab Tech Lead - Chemistry

Urbana, IL · On-site

$32.75 - $56.33/hr

Manages day to day work assignments.Ensures that all tasks for projects initiated by the Core Lab Manager and Core Lab Supervisor are complete.Collaborates with Core Lab Supervisor and lab staff to ...

Medical Lab Tech Lead - Chemistry

Urbana, IL · On-site

$32.75 - $56.33/hr

Manages day to day work assignments.Ensures that all tasks for projects initiated by the Core Lab Manager and Core Lab Supervisor are complete.Collaborates with Core Lab Supervisor and lab staff to ...

Medical Lab Tech Lead - Chemistry

Urbana, IL · On-site

$32.75 - $56.33/hr

Manages day to day work assignments.Ensures that all tasks for projects initiated by the Core Lab Manager and Core Lab Supervisor are complete.Collaborates with Core Lab Supervisor and lab staff to ...

Medical Lab Tech Lead - Chemistry

Urbana, IL · On-site

$32.75 - $56.33/hr

Manages day to day work assignments.Ensures that all tasks for projects initiated by the Core Lab Manager and Core Lab Supervisor are complete.Collaborates with Core Lab Supervisor and lab staff to ...

Medical Lab Tech Lead - Chemistry

Urbana, IL · On-site

$32.75 - $56.33/hr

Manages day to day work assignments.Ensures that all tasks for projects initiated by the Core Lab Manager and Core Lab Supervisor are complete.Collaborates with Core Lab Supervisor and lab staff to ...

ENGINEERING LAB TECH

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Job Title Laboratory Technician Function Engineering Reports to Product Engineer/Lab Manager Supervises n/a Mission Support engineering initiatives by preparing and executing tests utilizing data ...

Showing results 21-40

Lab Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$31.5K

$89.1K

$144.4K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in Illinois is $89,112.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,800.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Manager, you need expertise in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and scientific analysis, typically supported by a degree in a relevant science field and prior lab experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory software, and regulatory compliance certifications such as OSHA or CLIA is often required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help manage teams, coordinate projects, and ensure accurate reporting. These abilities are vital for maintaining efficient lab operations, regulatory compliance, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What does a lab manager do?

A Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a laboratory. Their duties typically include supervising staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed, managing inventory and ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Lab Managers also coordinate experiments and research activities, and may handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their role is crucial in ensuring the lab runs efficiently and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by lab managers when overseeing a diverse research team?

Lab Managers often encounter challenges related to coordinating schedules, managing conflicting priorities among researchers, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on support requires strong organizational skills and adaptability, especially when unexpected issues arise, such as equipment malfunctions or supply shortages. Effective communication is key to fostering collaboration and maintaining a productive work environment, as Lab Managers frequently serve as the bridge between researchers, technicians, and external vendors.

What is the difference between Lab Manager vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab ManagerLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant science, often with management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, and ensures compliancePerforms routine tests, prepares samples, and maintains lab equipment
ResponsibilitiesSupervises staff, manages budgets, and coordinates projectsConducts experiments, records data, and maintains lab safety

The main difference between a Lab Manager and a Laboratory Technician lies in their responsibilities and level of oversight. Lab Managers focus on managing lab operations, staff, and compliance, while Laboratory Technicians handle hands-on testing and sample preparation. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials, but Lab Managers typically have more experience and managerial skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Lab Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Lab Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,112 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Research Lab Manager 1

Northwestern University

Chicago, IL • On-site

$56K - $70K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Northwestern University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Apply for Job Job ID 53880
Location Chicago, Illinois
Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job

Department: MED-Preventive Medicine
Salary/Grade: EXS/6
Target hiring range for this position will be between $56,782 - $70,978 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary:

Manages daily operations of a research lab. Monitors lab performance, analyzes and reviews results, and supervises development and implementation of new protocols. Assigns work and supervises lab personnel and reviews technical operations ensuring that all processes, protocols and procedures are quality controlled and functioning up to standards. Develops implements and administers budgets, grant and administrative procedures. Co-authors scientific papers for presentation and publication and coordinates writing, submission and administration of grants.

Acts as the lead phlebotomist and specimen processor for several research studies done in the preventive medicine research clinic. They will be responsible for training and certifying other staff in phlebotomy, processing and preparing samples for shipment and storage, and management and maintenance of the freezers. Will also be trained to perform other measurements and components of research study visits.

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Manages technical operations of a lab involved in scientific research activities.
  • In consultation with Principle Investigator (PI) organizes and plans experiments ensuring those project objectives are attained.
  • Oversees and guides lab staff in review of results and recommendation of changes to protocols to improve validity and accuracy.
  • Conducts more complex experiments and analysis.
  • Participate in study meetings as needed.
  • Using an advanced level of skill, completes the following activities:

Molecular Biology:

  • DNA, RNA, Protein isolation, purification and expression
  • Southern, Northern, Western blotting
  • PCR, RT-PCR
  • Plasmid preparation
  • Cloning, mapping and sequencing of DNA
  • Recombinant virus production and purification

Cellular Biology:

  • Cell culture, cell isolation
  • Functional studies
  • Transfection

Administration

  • Oversees and manages collection, maintenance, analysis and evaluation of data that will be used in grant submissions, presentations and publications.
  • Ensures that information is entered correctly into databases.
  • Assists PI in reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, summarizing, formatting, editing, and preparing tables, charts, graphs, progress and final reports, etc.
  • Coordinates between sponsoring agencies, collaboration organizations and/or other research and/or educational institutions.
  • Ensures research regulations are adhered to, IRB and ACUC approvals in place, material transfer agreements properly executed, and that radiation and lab safety requirements are up to date and implemented.

Finance

  • Manages lab budget and inventory including purchasing of supplies and services ensuring that they are necessary, reasonable and project related.
  • Orders and maintains inventory of lab supplies, chemicals, equipment and instrumentation and may distribute intra-departmental charges.
  • Negotiates with vendors, obtain quotes and arrange for demos of large equipment.

Supervision

  • Trains, directs, assigns duties to & supervises lab EEs, students, residents &/or fellows.
  • Provides instruction to lab users on technically complex procedures, equipment & instruments.
  • Typically manages a lab budget of $1,000,000-$3,000,000; 1,000 - 3,000 nasf of space & supervises 5-15 lab members.

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 6 years' lab/bench or other relevant experience required; OR
  • Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 4 years' lab/bench or other relevant experience.
  • Supervisory or project management experience required.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

  • Knowledge or equivalent combination of experience or education from which comparable skills may be acquired.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

  • 2 years of practical research study or related experience is required.
  • Experience processing blood.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Consistently displays accuracy, attention to detail, and strong organization skills.
  • Lab management and supervisory experience.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.


What Northwestern University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom